A diver who was found dead after being reported missing near Santa Catalina Island was identified Saturday.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office named Justin Hoang, 42, as the deceased diver.
“The dive vessel Cee Ray contacted Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders using VHF Channel 16 at 2:10 a.m. (Monday) to report a missing diver,” the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement.
The rescue effort included an Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, Station Los Angeles-Long Beach 29-foot response boat crew, and the Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal.
Authorities later announced that Hoang had been found dead and recovered several hours later, at about 4 p.m..
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, they remain in our thoughts and prayers during this exceptionally difficult time,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Ryan Manning.
– City News Service